You’ve made up your mind that you want to become a “successful writer.” Before you take steps toward achieving that goal, you first need to define the term. What makes a writer a success? Writing something he or she is passionate about? Earning a pay check large enough to be able to retire from the day job? Have a byline (even if it comes with no remuneration)? Having a print (or online) forum in which to share your words? Define that and you are well on your way to writing success.
Now that you’ve given thought to what medium you’d like to see your name attached to, you need to build the momentum to reach that goal. Whether it’s baby steps toward publication or whether you throw yourself into pursuing that dream full time, here are a few pointers to get you on the path:
Five Steps to Successful Writing
1. What is your forte? Are you a natural born storyteller in a particular genre and do you dream of writing a novel? (keeping in mind that publication of a novel can be a long process) Do you have a knack for decorating? Are you the go-to person when it comes to your particular industry? Are you the king or queen of the grill? Where do you want to see your work? Newspaper, magazine, on-line, company newsletter?
2. Study the market. Read what you want to write about. You can’t send an article off “blind” or the editor will spot you as an amateur immediately. If you submit an article on Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight and the magazine published that topic one month ago, the editor will know you haven’t done your research. Want to get your words out on the worldwide web? Pull up Google and do a search on the topic on which you want to write, go to the sites and see if they accept submissions. Be sure to check out article writing sites as a source for your submissions as well.
3. Will you need to write the whole article before you submit it or will the editor accept a query? Do you need to send previously published clips? Does the publication only publish articles by “experts” in the field? Are you an expert in the topic that you’ve chosen? Websites for the publication of your choice or a writer’s manual will enlighten you as to the editors’ preference in receiving submissions – follow them to the letter.
4. Is your submission error free? Have you submitted it in the format required? Did you address your submission to an “actual” person rather than a “Dear Editor” letter? Remember, your cover letter is the first impression that editor will have of you and your work.
5. Submit, submit, submit. The most-published writers out there get that way because they are constantly researching new markets, sending off queries and articles. The more you submit, the higher your likelihood of being published. You want to achieve writing success? Then write, submit and write some more. Success comes to those who work at it.
Five Steps to Successful Writing. About the author: Robbi Hess is a staff writer for the American Educational Guidance Center, which publishes educational websites that assist students of all ages in conducting a successful college search and choosing an online degree program which best meets their needs.
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